Texas Longhorns: Cole Anderson

This week’s Big 12 mailbag focuses on the recruiting futures of Oklahoma State, Texas and Iowa State. It also discusses what one touted offensive lineman is thinking. We encourage all to send questions each week, either via Twitter to @DamonSayles or @ESPNWilkerson or by email at dsaylesespn@gmail.com or wilkerson.espn@gmail.com.

From Steven Mandeville: Have you heard about any potential [Oklahoma State] decommits?

The five-part Sports Illustrated expose on Oklahoma State has been entertaining to read for some, eye-opening to read for others. In speaking with commits and targets, however, the allegations have yet to lead to a decommitment. I’m sure a couple of pledges have prematurely thought about the idea, but nothing would be finalized until -- or unless -- the football program is punished by the NCAA. If the allegations prove to be only that, look for the Cowboys to not only keep their commits but also land a couple of others.

From @dmart120: How many, if any, recruits will Texas lose because of the Manny Diaz firing?

I don’t think the Longhorns will lose any commits because of Diaz. What should definitely be watched, however, is how the Longhorns respond against Ole Miss on Saturday. Another bad night similar to the one against BYU could be a turn-off for defensive commitments and targets. A solid defensive performance will silence the critics and help recruiting. Not to put any pressure on new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, but from a recruiting perspective, this -- and not Red River Rivalry weekend -- might be the biggest game of the season for him.

I would agree totally on Braden Smith (Olathe, Kan./Olathe South). The ESPN 300 offensive lineman has an older sister, Megan, who is a thrower on the TCU track and field team. He knows the campus well, and with the Horned Frogs needing interior linemen, Smith could come in and see quality playing time early. Freeman has TCU high on his list with Texas, Texas A&M and LSU. Each school belives it’s a favorite, but TCU would make sense for Freeman, as his former high school coach, Kenny Perry, is the Horned Frogs’ director of high school relations.

From @beaverkman: Where does #gobeavs [Oregon State] stand with Cole Anderson? Leader?

Cole Anderson (League City, Texas/Clear Falls), a three-star offensive guard, has a top two of Oregon State and Iowa State for the time being. Iowa State was not only his first Big 12 offer but also his first BCS offer, so the Cyclones hold a special place with him. Oregon State, however, was Anderson’s first official visit last week, and he thoroughly enjoyed Corvallis, Ore. Anderson’s decision could come down to overall comfort and closeness to home, and if that’s the case, look for him to choose Iowa State. There’s still time for the Beavers to land him, as the race is still on.

From @TedFlintKansas: How big of a get is Allen Lazard for the Cyclones, and will he alone rise them above in the recruiting rankings?

Allen Lazard is a great get for Iowa State. He’s an ESPN 300 wide receiver for a reason. However, he alone can’t boost the Cyclones when it comes to the recruiting rankings. Paul Rhoads & Co. will need to land a couple more four-star and high three-star players before Iowa State sees a significant spike in the rankings. Fortunately, there are still a few targets out there. Anderson, four-star OLB Nile Sykes (Lombard, Ill./Montini Catholic) and three-star athlete Darious Crawley (Houston/Cypress Ridge) are among the players to keep an eye on.